3 speed overdrive guys need some help

[NCD1966]

Ok been doing a lot of searching but nothing.
My issue is I have a 66 truck with a non syncro 3 speed and I'm converting to a syncro 3 speed od. I want to keep the shift on the column. The first shift rod is fine but the rear one is farther back. I picked up some shift rods for a 72 column shift truck thinking it would be a bolt in job. But the rear rod doesn't clear the shift fork. So now I'm thinking of just extending my original one to fit.

Has anyone come across this issue before?
Please chime in
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[T2vigil]

When I was doing the swap like you, but without the OD, I picked up a set of shift linkages from an old truck, I think a 27, that had a syncro transmission in it and they worked fine. I don't think you can rebend the old rods far enough to make them work. FYI I paid $25 for both rods and all of the connecting bolts and bushings.

[NCD1966]

(27) I guess you mean 72? well thats what I have and its not clearing the shift fork for some reason.

anyone else have some answers?

[oem4me]

You are taking me back about thirty years to my first truck, but I did that swap too (but w/o OD). To make it work, I remember buying rods like the syncro trans came with and grafted the lower portion of those to the upper portion of the truck's orig rods. Actually, I personally could not make it work (young and stupid) so I took it to a trans shop and they did it. You are not going to like this, but it never worked that well. I mean, it shifted from gear to gear, but the linkage seemed to have too much flex and twist so it never felt solid.
Not sayin' a great fabricator couldn't do it right, but I was not happy with mine. I sold the truck before that issue got sorted out. I know, lotsa help I am.

[NCD1966]

well actually that did give me a idea Thanks oem4me. Im looking for any advice.

if I cant get it like I want it, I guess I'll have to settle for a floor shifter but I think column shift is just cooler. Plus its original

[T2vigil]

You are right 27 is 72. It was not easy to get them adjusted but so far it has been worth it.

[NCD1966]

actually those ones i have are from a 72 GMC truck but I believe at that time GMCs had chevy drive trains. I'll do some test fitting on saturday hopefully i'll have some luck, T2vigil